The UK’s largest specialist wine retailer, Majestic, has toasted its “best-ever Christmas” performance, with sales jumping by 8.1% over the period.

Majestic

Majestic saw sales jump by 8.1% over the Christmas period

For the eight weeks to December 25, Majestic served 63,000 new customers, boosted by the opening of six new stores during 2023, and hailed the “strong performance” of its business-to-business division Majestic Commercial.

December 22, 2023, was the biggest trading day in the retailer’s 43-year history, thanks to customers leaving it late to stock up for the Christmas holiday.

The retailer noted that fine wine sales rose by more than 13% over the period as “customers traded up to treat their family and friends over Christmas and New Year”.

Majestic chief executive John Colley said: “This was a record-breaking Christmas for Majestic, in which we achieved higher sales and served more customers than ever before.

“Even during tougher times when consumers’ budgets are tight, it’s clear that customers trust Majestic’s quality, range, expertise and customer service – particularly at important occasions like Christmas.

“It took a monumental effort from Majestic colleagues across our stores, commercial teams, distribution network and support centre to deliver such a cracking Christmas for our customers and our business. This result would not have been possible without their team spirit, passion and dedication, and my thanks go to every single one of our colleagues.

“2024 is shaping up to be another difficult year for consumers, with further increases in the cost of living, but our focus remains on doing what we do best: offering quality, unique products and helping even more customers discover fantastic wines, beers and spirits.

“We have a strong balance sheet and will continue to invest in growth, with more exciting new stores planned this year, starting with Marlow and Christchurch in the spring.”